Budget 2019 announced by the Fine Gael led Government has been hailed as fair, progressive and sustainable by Minister Michael D’Arcy, who claims “The financial package is designed specifically with Brexit in mind to protect County Wexford from the impending withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
He added that it also marks the first time since the devastating recession that there is no deficit to burden taxpayers thanks to the careful management of the country’s finances by Fine Gael in recent years and he believes the 2019 Budget will ultimately put more money in people’s pockets through four key measures:
A reduction in income taxes and the Universal Social Charge (USC)
Welfare increases for all weekly recipients
Reduces in the cost of living
Pay increases
“Budget 2019 shows healthcare and childcare are key priorities for Government,” said Minister Michael D’Arcy, who added “the Budget contains a range of new fair and sustainable measures to care for the most vulnerable in our communities and make life easier for families in Wexford.”
“This year, Fine Gael will invest an additional €1.2 billion in health, facilitating a range of additional services including initiatives proposed under Sláintecare.

MINISTER MICHAEL D’ARCY

“These include a €25 increase in the weekly income threshold for GP Visit cards; a 50 cent reduction in prescription charges from €2.00 to €1.50 for all medical card holders over the age of 70; and a €10 reduction in the monthly Drugs Payment Scheme threshold from €134 to €124.
“An additional €84 million will be provided for Mental Health Services in 2019 bringing the total available funding for Mental Health to €1 billion, an increase of 9 per cent.
“We are also providing €150 million more for disability services next year to bring total funding in this area to almost €2 billion.”
Minister D’Arcy concluded: “This progressive and caring Budget will make a real difference in the lives of families and communities across Wexford.”